Big Rapids has history, and it's worth exploring

I know, I know. When in Big Rapids, you're probably there to fish, hunt, or something other nature-filled, rather than trying to channel a history-loving being out of you. While Big Rapids has plenty of nature to explore for your adventurous desires, it also has a lot of history to explore for your educational desires.

This mid-Michigan city is found in Mecosta County, named after Chief Mecosta, meaning Bear Cub, of the Potawatomi tribe. With the Muskegon River, ideal for transporting large heavy lumber and other goods, running through Big Rapids, growth in the area began in the 1800s due to the expansion of the logging industry.

Big Rapids eventually saw expansive railroad systems pop up to accommodate the growing economy. Now, most people are probably familiar with this railway serving as their go-to hiking, running, or biking trail as the White Pine Trail.

Any current visitor to Big Rapids and the Mecosta County area will find a traditional, historic area rooted in nature, along with many landmarks and historical sites to behold.

A great way to start your historical tour is at the Mecosta County Historical Museum. This volunteer-run museum will give you glimpses into the Big Rapids of the past and can help guide you to where your historical tour should take you.

There's the Anne Howard Shaw Sculpture, which honors Shaw and her activity in women's suffrage. Shaw is also part of the first group of women inducted into the Michigan Women's Hall of Fame in Lansing.

The Civil War and Veterans Statue is located at Courthouse square and features a Civil War soldier and honors the veterans who served.

Beyond the statues and sculptures, there are plethora of historical building and sites for you to check out on your historical tour.

There's the Old Jail, an official Michigan Historic Site, which served as the county jail and sheriff's residence from 1893 to 1965. You'll be in awe of its gable, hip roofs, and turrets characteristic of Queen Anne style architecture and fine construction. As the oldest public structure in Big Rapids, it now stands as a community center and is available for tours.

You can also check out the First Ward School, Big Rapids' first school, which was established in 1859. The school now serves as the Big Rapids public library.

The Big Rapids summer escape is a bonus one. As you may use Big Rapids and Mecosta County as your biking or fishing landscape, you can also use it to fill the educational void. History is important, and there's unique history, filled with historical sites, statues, and landmarks, spread throughout the area—and it's the good kind of history; the kind you can get up close to and see for yourself.